Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are expected to join their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, for a visit to Britain in July. This will be the first opportunity for them to meet their grandfather, King Charles III, in four years. Harry will return to the UK to promote the Invictus Games, which he will host in Birmingham in 2027.
The visit is significant because King Charles has not seen his grandchildren since 2022 when they visited for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. That trip was Princess Lilibet’s only visit to the UK, and she was just one year old. This upcoming visit will allow the children to create lasting memories with their grandfather.
Significance of the Reunion
Royal commentator Afua Hagan highlighted the importance of the visit, noting that both Harry and Meghan bringing their children adds to the significance of the occasion. She suggested this visit could open the door to a meeting with King Charles, who would warmly welcome the chance to see his grandchildren.
This potential meeting indicates a step forward in mending the relationship between Harry and his father. The rift widened over the years as Harry and Meghan criticized the royal family in various media, including an interview with Oprah Winfrey, their Netflix series, and Harry’s memoir, Spare.
Since the memoir’s release in January 2023, tensions have eased somewhat. Harry’s last public criticism of his father was in May 2025 when he accused Charles of obstructing his attempts to secure police protection in a BBC interview.
Harry’s Concerns About Security
Harry frequently cited concerns over a lack of Metropolitan Police protection as a reason for not bringing his family to the UK. The protection was lifted in February 2020 after Harry and Meghan stepped back from official duties. Occasionally, he receives protection when invited by the palace.
The planned visit of the children suggests that adequate security arrangements have been made. Hagan inferred that the palace might have extended an invitation, providing the necessary security for the family. This development suggests a genuine effort to ensure the safety required by Harry’s family during their visit.
Progress in Mending Relations
An early hint of reconciliation between Harry and Charles appeared just weeks after Harry’s BBC comments. In the summer of 2025, aides from both sides met discreetly in a private London club, sparking speculation of improved relations.
By September, Harry and his father met for tea at Clarence House. This meeting marked their first in-person encounter since Charles publicly announced his cancer diagnosis in February 2024. Harry had previously expressed a wish for reconciliation, emphasizing a desire to move past longstanding conflicts.
While progress between Charles and Harry is evident, a full reconciliation involving Meghan and the children remains to be seen. Prince William, reportedly less forgiving, may pose a challenge to fully restoring ties between the Sussexes and the royal family.